The Lyon Park Womans Club did it again! Many of us look forward to the Valentine’s Cupcake Sale all winter. To suggest that every delectable cupcake is made with LOVE is an understatement. With about 10 bakers and nearly 1,000 cupcakes, the Womans Club sold out early and made many Valentines in Lyon Park and Ashton Heights very happy—what a success! Combined with the cheese sales, they raised $2,500.
There were a number of new flavors this year, including Salted Caramel, Black Walnut, and Pineapple, Banana Smoothie baked by Shelya White, and the intriguing High Hat Chocolate Dipped cupcakes offered up by sisters Donna and Deb—delicious! Speaking of chocolate, at first glance there sure was a lot of chocolate on the list. But as it turned out, it was lovely: chocolate fudge, chocolate cream cheese, cherry chocolate chili (with a little bit of a kick), devils food chocolate with chocolate chips in the mix, the High Hats, the High Hat minis…lots of chocolate, but not boring!
It took lots of volunteers to make it all happen….bakers, organizers, cupcake guides (there were SO many choices!) and neighbors to purchase the treats. Lindy Love (so aptly named!) kept everyone on task and created the beautiful red-and-pink themed ambience in the Lyon Park Community House. A big THANK YOU to everyone who made it possible, especially Margaret Fibel who organized behind the scenes with who was baking what and how many, Elizabeth Wray and Jim Burke for managing the money, and EVERYONE who helped set and clean up. Can’t wait till next year!
Tucked away in a two-storefront shopping “center,” is a pizza place that not only serves some of the best pizza in the area, but that is also unique in several ways. You’ll notice right away the huge signs in the windows that proclaim that Troy’s Italian Kitchen offers both “Vegan & Gluten Free” menus. In fact, Neel Vaidya, who co-owns the place with his wife, Palak Patel, says that 65% of their business comes from their vegan menu (“The biggest vegan menu in the DMV!” boasts Neel). Other innovations include the specialty pizzas (more on that below) and the introduction of halal meats, starting with the pepperoni, which my 9-year old neighbor, Harrison, said was “very, very good; some of the best I’ve had, and I’ve had a lot of pepperoni in my life!”
Neel and Palak have owed Troy’s since 2019 in what was formerly the home of Z Pizza, and then Troy’s. They considered changing the name when they bought it, but “the former owner was Troy and the community knew that name,” so they kept it. Your classic, unassuming pizza place, Troy’s currently seats just six people, but plans to add more seating in the near future. Once that additional seating has been added, Neel, Palak, and their seven employees plan to host “Make your Own Pizza” kids’ parties and other community events. Most pizzas are ordered for delivery or pick-up.
While there is an extensive menu of specialty pizzas, we ordered a simple cheese pie (slices are about $5 each; might as well get a whole pie for around $16 (prices vary)). The dough and sauce is made fresh daily and the cheese is high quality. “We don’t skimp,” says Neel. And you can taste the quality ingredients in the pizza, which is thin crust, but not soggy. Says Harrison, “I enjoyed the pizza; it’s really good.”
Neel’s claim that “we’re unique because we have options for everyone” includes the specialty pizza menu, including their bestselling Vegan Elote Pizza—with fire-roasted corn, onions, poblanos, vegan chipotle mayo, and vegan parmesan cheese—and the very popular Chicken Tikka Masala Pizza, with creamy tikka masala sauce, grilled chicken, green peppers, and onions. The Big Dill Pizza was also suggested, with bacon, onions, pickles, and ranch drizzle. If none of these specialties appeals to you, you can always create your own pie.
Lyon Park’s own Paul Showalter happened to drop by while we were there. A regular patron, he said some of his favorites are the huge calzones and the Gourmet Salad with dried cranberries, walnut, feta, green apples and balsamic dressing. Troy’s also has salads, wings, calzones, sandwiches, pasta, and a refrigerator fully stocked with desserts. Truly a full Italian kitchen.
In addition to our cheese pizza, we had some pepperoni slices (quite large), garlic knots, and mozzarella sticks. The crispy mozzarella sticks got rave reviews. Harrison’s 7-year old brother, Brayden (pictured), says the “cheese can stretch far!” He and his mother gave them a “15 out of 5 stars.”
If you’re looking for a great slice of pizza in the neighborhood, and you haven’t yet discovered Troy’s, it’s well worth a visit.
Troy’s Italian Kitchen (2710 Washington Blvd): Hours of operation are 11:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday; Closed Sunday. Phone number is 703-528-2828. Order online at https://www.troysitaliankitchen.com (10% off online orders).
On February 9, two weeks after the arrival of Snowcrete in the DMV, residents in Lyon Park gathered along Washington Boulevard to observe the Walk for Peace. Anticipating the monks’ ambulatory arrival from Alexandria, Lyon Park and Ashton Heights residents shared survival stories from the recent storm and many held signs in support of peace. The 19 monks who left Fort Worth, TX on October 26, 2025 walked the 2300 miles to Washington DC, aiming to raise awareness of peace with the millions of people who followed their journey. This was an amazing opportunity to witness history in our backyard.
Venerable Bhikkhu Pannakara led the monks, who walked briskly in a single file, on rural roads and through urban centers, in sunny weather and through the recent snowstorms that buried the area. The cold was their biggest obstacle, forcing them at times to cover their bare feet and bare heads with warm shoes and wool caps. To get through the worst of it, they focused on their breathing. The monks believe that even in a world filled with conflict, peace can be achieved, and it begins with creating peace in the mind. “Mindfulness is the key to show people that peace is something that is possible and always begins from within,” Pannakara shared.
Their message is an important – though difficult – one for those of us who run around, always keeping busy, proud of our multi-tasking skills. Phones and overloaded schedules pull us away from mindfulness. The monks advise that every morning when you wake up, you write down on a piece of paper “today is going to be my peaceful day.” Don’t touch your phone until you’ve finished your personal morning tasks, including making your bed. Throughout your day, try to think about what actions you can take to create peace in the mind.
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